Veteran of the Month Corporal Ray Sims

Floor Speech

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Mr. BURCHETT. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Corporal Ray Sims, an American hero who served during the Korean war. Corporal Sims enlisted in the United States Army and was sent to South Korea following his initial training.

On January 31, 1951, his company was attempting to drive the enemy from an excellent defensive position on Hill 592. During the mission, Corporal Sims noticed a hostile emplacement containing an automatic weapons crew. Corporal Sims realized that the attention of the enemy gunners needed to be distracted so another element could flank and destroy the bunker.

He moved forward with his rocket launcher and fired upon the enemy. Corporal Sims successfully distracted the enemy but was wounded during his efforts. He kept firing on the position despite his injuries, which allowed his company to flank and capture the position.

It took 18 months of surgeries and rehabilitation for Corporal Sims to fully recover from the wounds he received that day. For his bravery, Corporal Sims was awarded the Bronze Star with valor, Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and Korean War Service Medal.

Our country's heroes are the men and women of our Armed Forces, Madam Speaker--not the ones who throw the football or catch the baseball or shoot the basket--like Ray Sims, who served and sacrificed for our freedom. He is a real hero.

It is my honor to recognize Corporal Ray Sims as Tennessee's Second District April 2022 Veteran of the Month.

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